Tuesday, February 3, 2026(EASTERN REGION)__Today marked a milestone in Kenya's global skills drive with the launch of German language lessons in one of the institutions of higher learning in the country.
In her keynote address as the chief guest at the Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), Diaspora Affairs PS, Ms. Roseline K. Njogu, CBS, hailed the initiative as a strategic step under the Kenya-Germany Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, signed in September 2024.
The agreement creates pathways for legal migration of skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers to Germany in high-demand sectors like engineering, IT, nursing, transportation, masonry, electrical work, and plumbing.
The PS commended MUST for hosting the event and its designation as an Overseas Skilled Worker (OSD) examination center.
She spotlighted the university's Training-to-Placement Framework (TPF), developed by its Department of Languages and Linguistics, which directly links training to job outcomes.
Charging the students directly, PS Njogu urged them to "learn all they can, take control of your migration journey, and stay on the straight and narrow path in your daily activities.
PS Njogu emphasized language proficiency as key to employability, workplace integration, and rights protection, warning against human trafficking risks from unethical recruitment.
Partnerships was exhibited through, HTV Africa, Youth Fund, Uwezo Fund. The programme is set to benefit five neighbouring counties of Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo, Nyandarua, Nyeri and Kitui.
The government through the State Department gor Diaspora Affairs, backs the program via the "Kazi Majuu" initiative for affordability and sustainability, with a focus on quality assurance, ethical recruitment, and inclusion of youth and women.
PS Njogu urged counties, universities, and private sector players to support training, mentorship, placement, and reintegration, enabling returning workers to channel skills and savings into Kenya's growth.
She reaffirmed coordination with ministries, agencies, counties, and German partners, and international partners for their role in human capital investment.
At the same time, Prof. James Ireri Kanya (Council Chair), Vice Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, Academic Committee Chair Mr. Martin Kinoti welcomed the initiative and the positive impact.
PS Njogu invited all to scale this model for mutual wins.
The event wrapped with an engaging Q&A session between students and representatives from various agencies, fostering direct dialogue on opportunities and pathways.
Students from Kiirua Technical Training Institute, Karumo Technical Training Institute, Garbatula TVC, Muraga Technical Training Institute, Igembe South Technical College and Chuka Technical College.
Others present were from Meru National Polytechnic, Igembe TVC, Jeremiah Nyaga National Polytechnic, Runyenjes TVC, Tigania East Technical and Vocational College and Tharaka TVC.